Planning a Holiday After a Breast Procedure?

After a Breast Procedure

After having a breast procedure, you’ll understandably be wanting to show off your new assets as quickly as possible. However, before you jet off on holiday, it’s important to understand the risks.

Can you fly soon after the surgery? And is it safe to top up your tan while recovering? These are just a couple of questions you should be asking. Discover everything you need to know about planning a holiday after a breast procedure below.

How long after a breast procedure can I fly?

The length of time you should wait before you fly after a breast procedure depends upon how far you are travelling. For short haul flights, you can consider jetting off a couple of weeks after having the surgery. However, if you are planning on a long-haul flight, it’s safer to wait for 6 weeks prior to travelling.

There is a common myth that flying after a breast augmentation procedure will cause the implants to explode. This simply isn’t true. But it does increase your risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis. For this reason, it is better to ask for advice from your surgeon over how long you should wait to travel.

What type of holiday are you planning?

Another thing you’ll need to factor in is the type of holiday you are planning. Is it an action-packed adventure holiday or a chance to let your hair down and party? If so, you’ll want to resist too much activity until you are fully healed.

If you do want to travel soon after undergoing a breast procedure, make sure it is more of a relaxing break. This will give the body time to fully recover, ensuring you see the best results from the surgery.

Can I use sunbeds before I go?

It might be tempting to hop on the sunbed to build up your tan, but it could be hazardous to your results. Like natural sunlight, sunbeds can cause discolouration and hyperpigmentation around the surgical site.

If you are set on using them, make sure you keep the breasts fully covered and protected. However, sunbeds in general are best avoided due to their long-term health risks.

What about sunbathing?

You can sunbathe, but once again you will need to keep your breasts covered and protected and use a good SPF lotion. It is especially important to keep your scars out of the sunlight as like sunbeds, the sun’s rays will discolour the surgical site.

You might need to take extra precautions if you want to head off on holiday after a breast procedure. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t still have fun. Seek your surgeon’s advice on planning a holiday and follow all safety precautions provided.

 

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Why Younger Women Are Choosing Eyelid Surgery

choosing eyelid surgery

Think you might be too young for eyelid surgery? While these types of procedures used to be popular with patients in their 50s and 60s, in recent years there has been a rise in the number of younger people choosing eyelid surgeries.

So, what is driving the trend and why might you want to undergo eyelid surgery in your youth? Discover everything you need to know below…

Why are younger people choosing eyelid surgery?

There are a few reasons why younger people are considering eyelid surgery. These include:

  • Cosmetic surgery is no longer a taboo
  • It is used as a preventative measure
  • Non-invasive treatments haven’t worked
  • Make-up trends

Cosmetic surgery itself has become much more widely accepted and less stigmatised in the last decade. People are a lot more confident about undergoing surgery to get the results they want.

Younger people have also been starting to see the benefits of seeking treatment early. Often used as a preventative measure, eyelid surgery is seen as a great alternative to a facelift. Creating a more ‘awake’ look, as well as eliminating small lines and wrinkles from around the eye and forehead area – it stops early signs of aging.

Another reason young patients are choosing eyelid surgery is because non-invasive treatments haven’t given them the results they want. It could be that non-invasive treatments don’t quite eliminate all of the patient’s concerns, or that the results just don’t last long enough. Eyelid surgery provides permanent results, making it a cost-effective procedure for young patients.

Finally, make-up trends have also been driving a rise in eyelid surgeries. Latest trends place a lot of emphasis on the eyelids. To fit in with the trend, young people are undergoing drastic measures for a more permanent effect.

What are the benefits of eyelid surgery?

Eyelid surgery does offer a lot of benefits. Here’s some of the reasons the procedure has become so popular today…

Provides a more youthful appearance – Eyelid surgery can make you look a lot more youthful. It smooths out the skin on the forehead and around the eyes, providing better results than non-invasive treatments such as Botox.

Boosts your confidence – Many patients report a boost in their confidence after undergoing eyelid surgery. Even younger patients who don’t necessarily need the surgery often feel much more confident after having it done.

You’ll look more awake – An eyelid lift can help to make you appear a lot less tired. Dark circles and under eye bags can make you look constantly fatigued. Eyelid surgeries can help to eliminate these bags and circles, leaving behind a more awake, refreshed look.

These are just some of the benefits of choosing eyelid surgery. For younger patients, they act as a preventative measure, helping to slow down the signs of aging. Before you consider undergoing an eyelid surgery, book a consultation with Mr Horlock today to discover if you are an ideal candidate.

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Scientists Discover Anti-Aging Technique

anti-aging

A group of UK scientists claim to have discovered a new anti-aging technique that can reverse the signs of aging. The technique, which involves rejuvenating skin cells, is said to help rewind the signs of aging by up to 30 years. If found to be true, this exciting discovery could revolutionise anti-aging treatments.

So, what is this new, potentially revolutionary technique? Discover everything you need to know below…

Understanding the latest research

The new research has discovered a way to cut the time it takes to reprogram cells by 13 days. Up until now, scientists haven’t been able to re-differentiate stem cells into mature adult cells. Instead, they have been able to produce foetal cells. Discovered by the latest team of researchers, the new method halts the reprogramming of the cells partway through. This allows them to identify a more accurate balance of creating biologically younger cells that retain their original function.

The technique has been dubbed ‘maturation phase transient reprogramming’ (MPTR). It has been tested on dermal fibroblasts donated by middle-aged participants. Researchers discovered that the method was able to successfully rejuvenate several cellular attributes, including transcriptome. Using a novel transcriptome clock, the transcriptome was found to have been rejuvenated by a staggering 30 years.

This is an exciting development that could greatly help to reduce the signs of aging in treatments moving forward.

What does this mean for patients?

While this new discovery is exciting, it’s important to realise that it won’t lead to new treatments or methods to reverse aging for quite a few years. Additional research will need to be carried out, followed by clinical trials.

Researchers still need to take the discovery made and turn it into viable treatment options. All of these things take time, but it does prove promising for future treatments.

Anti-aging treatment available now

If you don’t want to wait for new treatments to be developed, there are ways you can look up to 10 years younger right now. For instance, a facelift is one of the most effective, long-term procedures to help patients wipe up to a decade off their appearance.

Certainly, the technique used to carry out a facelift has improved dramatically in recent years. Nowadays, the results look more natural, and they often address the underlying cause of aging. Patients can undergo a facelift to tighten up the tissue and muscles of the face, remove excess skin, and increase volume in areas that have lost it.

While a facelift might not be for everyone, it can produce outstanding results. Book a consultation with Mr Nigel Horlock today to find out if a facelift could be the right option for you.

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Setting Back Prominent Ears

prominent ears

Around 1-2% of people in the UK consider themselves to have prominent ears. Most of the time, they develop due to genetic factors. However, they can also occur due to the fold that tucks the top of the outer ear in (the antithetical fold) failing to develop correctly. Additional cartilage within the concha area can also cause prominent ears.

Whatever the cause, protruding ears can lead to embarrassment and, in some cases, functional issues. However, the good news is there are treatments available that can help. Setting back prominent ears is one of the most common procedures used to correct the issue.

So, what does setting back prominent ears involve and is it the right option for you? Discover everything you need to know below.

How are prominent ears set back?

Prominent ears can be corrected with an ear reshaping procedure known as Otoplasty or Pinnaplasty. There are two surgical methods that can be used, and they can be carried out on both adults and children.

One procedure uses sutures to pin the ears back into place. The other procedure involves creating an incision behind the ear, then removing or reshaping cartilage and skin before pinning them back with stitches. These are permanent stitches, so the patient won’t need to have them removed.

Children undergoing the procedure will be placed under general anaesthetic. Adult patients can choose whether they want local or general anaesthetic.

What non-surgical options are available?

While some clinics do advertise non-surgical ear pinning techniques, unfortunately, they can be misleading. They include earfold implants, which are inserted through an incision located at the front of the ear. This is a fairly new technique, and it is still considered a surgical procedure.

Only surgical procedures can produce permanent results. Patients will need to undergo a consultation with an expert to determine which type of surgical treatment would be most beneficial.

Which treatment option is right for you?

If you are embarrassed by your prominent ears, book a consultation with Mr Nigel Horlock today. After an assessment, you will be advised which procedure is better suited to you. While there is a small chance protruding ears may recur further down the line, in most cases the treatment is permanent.

For the first week after the procedure, patients may experience some degree of discomfort. A bandage will also need to be worn until your follow up appointment. Mr Horlock will explain what you can expect from the recovery, alongside the potential risks involved with the procedure.

Setting back prominent ears is a straightforward procedure that has helped thousands of patients regain their confidence. Book a consultation today to discover whether ear reshaping could be a good treatment option for you.

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Surgeries Giving Natural Results Meet New Trend

surgeries giving natural results

Cosmetic surgery trends have long been driven by celebrity influence. However, the number of patients trying to imitate their favourite stars by changing their appearance is decreasing.

Now, a new trend is taking over which focuses on individuality and surgeries giving natural results. This means tailoring procedures to suit each individual. Here, we’ll take a look at the surgeries that are meeting a new trend of individuality.

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is one of the most common procedures carried out on patients. It can have a drastic impact on your overall appearance, and there are several techniques the surgeon can use to manipulate the results.

But, now that the focus is on surgeries giving natural results, patients are requesting smaller changes that don’t alter their ethnic identity. This includes removing humps, correcting asymmetry, and fixing a crooked nose.

Fat transfer to the breast

One of the latest innovations in the cosmetic surgery field is fat transfer procedures. Fat is taken from one part of the body and transferred into another. This helps to provide natural volume where it is needed.

Fat transfer to the breast is becoming increasingly popular for those seeking a breast augmentation procedure. Most importantly, the results are natural, and there are much fewer risks involved compared to having implants inserted into the breasts.

But, keep in mind that fat transfer to the breast can only help to add a little volume. Therefore, it isn’t suitable for those looking to achieve a more dramatic increase in breast size.

A brow lift

Those who are looking to achieve a natural, youthful appearance, could benefit from a brow lift. Facelift procedures are great for turning back the clock, but the changes aren’t always natural. A brow lift on the other hand is a more natural procedure.

The minimally invasive surgery aims to lift the brows, which in turn lifts the forehead and the eye area. Certainly, these are notoriously the areas where signs of aging first start to appear. However, with this procedure, it is difficult to tell if any work has been done and it focuses on natural results.

These are some of the main types of surgeries that are helping to keep up with the individuality trend. In short, improvements in the way procedures are carried out, alongside new techniques, have helped surgeons to produce more natural results.

If you are looking to undergo cosmetic surgery that focuses on a more natural appearance, book a consultation with Mr Horlock. Certainly, he will be able to advise you on the best procedures to help maintain your individuality.

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How Can You Prevent Jowls?

prevent jowls

Did you know that most people develop jowls as they age? Located underneath the chin, the saggy areas of skin are typically caused by ageing. The level of sagging can vary but left untreated, they can cause issues with self-confidence.

So, what causes jowls to develop in the first place and is it purely down to ageing? Here, we look at the main causes of jowls, and how you can treat and prevent jowls.

What are the main causes of jowls?

Jowls can be caused by a variety of factors. Some of the most common causes include:

  • A reduction in collagen and elastin
  • Environmental/lifestyle factors
  • Genetics

As you age, your skin starts to lose its collagen and elastin. These are proteins that make up the connective tissues, keeping the skin firm and supple. As the amount of collagen and elastin produced in the body declines, gravity begins to take over. In the face, your cheeks and mouth area start to lose their firmness. This causes the skin to begin to droop down, leading to the development of jowls.

In some cases, jowls are also caused by environmental and lifestyle factors. It could be you have lost weight, or you make certain facial expressions that contribute to sagging skin. Smoking can also speed up the ageing process by damaging collagen and elastin.

Genetics can also play a role, as well as determine how noticeable the jowls are. If your parents have them, there is a good chance you’ll develop them too as you age.

Can you prevent jowls?

It may be possible to prevent jowls from developing, but in most cases, they are down to the natural ageing process. If you want to prevent them from developing prematurely, you can follow these simple tips…

Reduce your sun exposure – Damage from UV rays can speed up the ageing process. To reduce the risk of developing jowls early, it’s a good idea to reduce your sun exposure. When you are out in the sun, always wear adequate sunscreen, and try to avoid being out in the sun during peak times.

Quit or avoid smoking – The nicotine and thousands of other chemicals contained in cigarettes can damage the collagen and elastin in the skin. Avoiding smoking or quitting is a great way to minimise the risk of developing jowls.

Limit your screen time – Spending long periods of time looking down at a screen can cause the neck area to become scrunched up. This in turn can cause it to start to sag, as well as develop fine lines and wrinkles. Always try and look at your screens in a natural, comfortable position.

Your options for treating jowls

If you do develop jowls, the good news is there are ways to eliminate them. Two of the best procedures to tackle this common problem are a facelift and injectable dermal fillers.

A facelift can provide a drastic improvement in the firmness of the skin. You could also potentially undergo a neck lift to minimise the signs of ageing in the jowl area. Dermal fillers are great for restoring lost volume, providing a natural lift.

To find out which treatment option is right for you, book a consultation with Mr Nigel Horlock today.

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The Most Common Chin Concerns

chin concerns

Did you know the size and shape of your chin can have a significant impact on your overall appearance? Whether you have a long, prominent, strong, or weak chin, it can cause issues with self-confidence.

Over time, the appearance of the chin can alter. This can lead to issues with insecurity and in some cases, asymmetry. There are all kinds of concerns patients have about their chin and consequently, several types of treatments available. Here, you’ll discover some of the most common chin concerns our patients have and the various treatments available.

What are the most common chin concerns?

Several factors impact how the chin looks including fat, genetics, bone structure, and skin elasticity. Each of these factors can contribute to a range of aesthetic issues. Some of the most common chin concerns patients have include:

Dimpled chin – If there is a dimple in the chin, it is usually caused by a tight muscle that is pulling the skin inward.

Double chin – Submental fat, or a double chin, is one of the most common concerns patients have. It is mostly caused by excess weight gain, though in some cases it can be genetic. Double chins can sometimes be difficult to get rid of through diet and exercise alone.

Large chin – Those with a large chin may feel like it is too broad. When the mandibular protuberance is larger than other facial features, it will draw attention to the mouth and jaw area.

Small chin – A small, or recessed chin, can also significantly impact your overall appearance. There will be a lack of definition in the area, making other facial features more prominent.

Drooping chin – As we age, we start to lose elastin and collagen in the skin. This can lead to drooping, especially in the chin area. When the skin sags, it can create jowls underneath the chin, leading to issues with self-confidence.

These are the most common chin concerns patients have. The good news is there are treatments to solve each of the issues above.

What treatment options are available?

There are several treatment options available to address concerns with your chin. If you want to change its shape, for example, a genioplasty could be the best option. This surgical procedure can be carried out in a couple of different ways. Implants are commonly used to add volume and alter the shape of the chin. Another, more intensive option, is to change the alignment or position of the chin.

If you have a small chin, fillers can be a great semi-permanent option. This minimally invasive procedure is an alternative to surgery. Or, for those looking to eliminate a double chin, liposuction can help. This targeted procedure will eliminate pockets of fat, helping to banish submental fat.

To find out which treatment option is right for you, book a consultation with Mr Nigel Horlock today.

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Looking Tired? What Causes Bags Under the Eyes

bags under the eyes

Trying to get rid of unsightly bags under your eyes? Many adults develop dark circles or ‘bags’ under their eyes which can cause them to look constantly tired. The good news is, there are ways to eliminate them, and it starts by identifying the cause.

So, what causes bags under the eyes and how can you treat them? Discover everything you need to know below.

What causes bags under the eyes?

There are several reasons why dark circles can appear under the eyes. In some cases, they might be temporary, while in others the bags are there to stay. So, what could be causing those unsightly dark circles under the eyes? Let’s take a look at some of the most common causes…

Ageing

One of the main causes is ageing. As you get older, the body doesn’t produce as much collagen or elastin. The area under your eyes is very thin, so as you lose collagen it really starts to show in the eye area.

Lifestyle and diet

Your lifestyle and diet can also contribute towards bags under the eyes. In particular, if you don’t get enough sleep you will start to develop temporary dark circles. Not drinking enough water can also contribute to the problem.

Genetics

In some cases, bags under the eyes can be a genetic issue. If your immediate family has developed dark circles over time, it could increase your chances of developing them too.

These are the main causes of under-eye bags. Once you know the cause of the problem, you can identify the correct treatment to help fix it. So, what treatments are available for bags under the eyes?

Treating bags under the eyes

There are multiple treatments. Depending on the cause, current options available include:

If the bags under your eyes are caused by diet and lifestyle, making simple changes could be enough to see a drastic improvement. Make sure you drink plenty of water and get enough sleep. Your doctor will be able to suggest changes based on your individual case.

If your dark circles are caused by ageing or genetics, you can undergo a blepharoplasty. This is a simple surgical procedure that can be performed on one or both eyelids. It is highly effective at creating a more youthful appearance, as well as removing dark circles.

Fillers can be used to replace lost collagen in the under-eye area. However, they do only provide a semi-permanent fix. You will need to undergo regular sessions to maintain the results in the long term.

If you are ready to banish your under-eye bags once and for all, book a consultation with Mr Horlock today.

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How Soon Can I Exercise After Breast Surgery?

exercise after breast surgery

Breast surgery is a major procedure, and as such patients need to give their bodies plenty of time to rest and recover. However, according to a new clinical trial, women who exercise soon after the procedure tend to be happier with their overall results.

So, is it safe to start exercising quickly after undergoing breast surgery? Here we will look at what the latest clinical study found, and the general advice given to patients after the procedure.

The latest trial into exercise after breast surgery

The clinical trial, which was published in January’s Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery journal, discovered that women who began exercising after one week off didn’t suffer any additional complications. They were also happier with their results than those who waited the standard length of time.

The trial involved 225 women split into groups. One group followed the current guidance on returning to exercise, while the other followed a supervised program. The women who exercised either did aerobic or strength exercises over a period of 12 weeks. Meanwhile, the women who didn’t exercise were told to rest for 12 weeks.

After a year, the researchers analysed the rates of complication in both groups. Patients were also asked to fill in a BREAST-Q questionnaire in order to determine their overall satisfaction in terms of results. A total of 75 patients in both groups filled out this questionnaire.

Results showed that those in the non-exercise group had a 7.5% complication rate. Women in the exercise group on the other hand, had a reduced complication rate of 6.9%. The complications reported were minor, and no patient needed to undergo a revision surgery within 12 months.

Satisfaction results revealed the average score in the exercise group was 88, while in the non-exercise group it dropped to 66.

General rest and recovery guidelines

Currently, rest and recovery guidelines state that you should rest for a period of two to four weeks after breast surgery. There has been concern over the risk of complications from not giving the body plenty of time to heal.

While the clinical trial suggests women don’t need to rest as long as is currently recommended, each patient is different. Those who undergo a fat grafting procedure should still rest for up to four weeks in line with the advice provided by their surgeon.

Always follow your surgeon’s advice

While the results of the new study do highlight the benefits exercise could deliver during recovery, patients should always speak to their surgeon beforehand. The advice given to you will be tailored to your own specific needs.

If you are wondering how quickly you can get back to exercise after breast surgery, book a consultation with Mr Horlock today.

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How Can You Get Rid of a Double Chin?

rid of a double chin

Are you struggling to get rid of a double chin? Over time, fat can begin to accumulate under the chin, causing it to sag downwards. This creates the impression of a double chin, and it can sometimes be difficult to eliminate through diet and exercise alone.

While there are no medical risks associated with a double chin, it can cause a great deal of embarrassment. It can also impact the overall aesthetics of the face.

The good news is, there are ways to eliminate a double chin once and for all. Here, you will discover some of the best treatment methods for getting rid of a double chin both surgically and non-surgically.

What surgical treatment options are available?

There are several surgical options you have to help get rid of a double chin. The right choice for you will depend on the root cause of the problem. For example, is it just fat or is there excess skin too? If there is excess skin, you can have a treatment that addresses this too.

Let’s look at some of the most common surgical treatment options to fix a double chin…

Liposuction

Liposuction is one of the most effective treatments to get rid of a double chin. It targets the area specifically, sucking out a small portion of fat. A tiny incision will be made beneath the skin, then a tube will be inserted to suck out the fat.
The procedure is typically carried out under local anaesthetic. You will be able to return home the same day, though you should rest for up to a week to allow the body time to heal.

A mini facelift

If you also have lines or wrinkles to contend with, you may find a mini facelift is the right choice. This procedure is a lot less intensive than a full facelift, yet it can give the face a much more youthful appearance. If your double chin is mostly caused by excess skin, this procedure should address the problem.

You may find a full-face lift is the most effective option, depending upon the results you want to achieve.

Neck lift

If you don’t need to correct any other signs of aging, a neck lift could be an ideal way to get rid of that double chin. The purpose of a neck lift is to correct sagging skin, tighten up the muscles, and improve the overall contour of the area. It can effectively eliminate a double chin and is a less intensive procedure than a facelift.

These are just some of the options patients have when it comes to getting rid of a double chin. Book a consultation with Mr Horlock now to determine the best treatment option for you.

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